Model Arizona Muse on having a child aged 20: ‘I don’t reccomend it’

Arizona Muse

Arizona Muse says she does not recommend having children “very young” after falling pregnant at 19.

The 32-year-old model has two children, son Nikko, 12, who she shares with ex-fiancé Manuel Quintana and daughter Cy, two, who she shares with husband Boniface Verney-Carron.

Ms Muse, who lives in Westminster, has worked with brands such as Prada and Chanel since she was signed to Next Models aged 19.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Bear Hug podcast Ms Muse said she was grateful for her “amazing son” but it was difficult being a young mother and juggling a career.

“I had him before my career started,” she said.

“I was pregnant at 19, he was a happy accident. I use the phrase ‘Ignorance is bliss.’ I was so happy to be pregnant and to have my son. It all felt so right. But I really don’t recommend it to very young people.”

The model, who was born in Tucson, Arizona to a British mother and American father, said having a baby in her 30s was a lot easier.

“I have both experiences in that I was 30 when my daughter was born and so many things were a lot easier about that,” she said.

“But also I have an amazing son who is nearly 12 now. And that is incredible to see him with her. He just thinks she is amazing.”

Fashioned From Nature Exhibition - London
Arizona Muse has opened up about her family life
PA Wire/PA Images

The model also spoke about life in lockdown at home in London.

“It feels pretty messy but I think that is how lockdown feels,” she said.

Ms Muse is an environmental campaigner and a fashion sustainability consultant.

She sits on the advisory board of The Sustainable Angle, a non-profit organisation that specalises in campaigning for sustainable fabrics.

Ms Muse said people were more aware of the environment following the pandemic and her family were discussing the issues more.

“We are [talking about the environment], more and more,” she said.

“Climate change is putting this issue in front of everyone even if they weren’t particularly interested before we are realising we have to change as a society. We are talking about it more as a couple and a family.”

She said she was “not proud” of her industry’s sustainability credentials - but said she was hopeful for improvement.

Fashion accounts for around 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emission across the planet.

“At the moment they have not begun to lead yet and that is the sorry part where I am not so proud of my industry,” she said.

“We have known the science for at least 40 years. We have a lot to change, but we can. Because there are so many intelligent individuals who work in the industry.”

The Vogue cover star also said she wanted to start campaigning for better rights and protection of young models.

She said: “Being a model is something that is so difficult to understand unless you have done it.

Porgy and Bess VIP performance - London
With husband Boniface Verney-Carron
PA

“It looks like its so much fun but its not. A lot of models think that modelling took a lot from them.

“It is a lot of rejection a lot of body issues, a lot of so many things that aren’t talked about.

“Thousands of models completely fail. Because of the dream that is sold, these young women give up their last years at school and yet modelling doesnt work out. It is an issue that needs some activism.”

WaterBear work with many high-profile activists including Prince Harry, Maisie Williams and Lily Cole.

To watch Arizona’s Bear Hug interview for free in full please visit www.waterbear.com

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